|
Subscribe | Get featured
Rise and shine, Altoona!
In today’s planning-your-week edition: Classic mom-and-pop diners, Exoplanets Sky Show, and St. Paddy’s paint and sip + all our favorite events happening over the next seven days.
Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Altoona protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.
|
📰 In the news
Submission rules and rewards: Blair County students can enter Law Day contests, with submissions due by April 17. Winners will be honored May 1 at Blair County Courthouse during the Law Day ceremony — see submission rules and details.
Time-honored greasy spoons statewide: A recent roundup spotlights 13 classic Pennsylvania mom-and-pop diners for a March comfort meal, including Altoona favorite Tom & Joe’s and beloved Pittsburgh stops known for flapjacks and bottomless coffee — see the full list.
Safeguarding Blair County’s industrial past: Bellwood-Antis senior Kevin Stiver seeks volunteers to stabilize 1880s coke ovens along Glen White Road with partners. Work could begin this month to remove trees and create a trail — see how to get involved.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Highlights this week:
|
🏆 Gold and silver are heating up
Together with our sponsor American Hartford Gold
Gold just posted its strongest run in decades… and the momentum is carrying into 2026. Silver has become one of the most talked-about assets as investors look for ways to stay ahead of market volatility.
While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning.
If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, AHG has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now.
It’s free and worth reading before the next move.
|
🫶 We got your back
Midweek noodle upgrade: Craving cozy without dull? Jaidee Thai Restaurant serves slurp-worthy noodles, fragrant curries, and fresh, balanced flavors that reset your day. When cooking feels optional and good vibes call the shots, it’s the easy pick for comfort, color, and a delicious pause.
Fresh fabric fix: Whether you’re piecing a quilt or hunting the last yard, Frye’s Sweeper & Sewing Center keeps Altoona stocked with quality bolts, thread, and notions, including Moda, Northcott, and Timeless Treasures. Plus fabrics and friendly know-how to help you avoid seam ripper regret.
Old-school comfort, right here: Tom & Joe’s Restaurant keeps Altoona humming with crispy home fries, stacked sandwiches, and that see-you-next-week energy only a true neighborhood spot delivers. When a reset hits, booths, hot coffee, and easy conversation do their thing… comfort without the fuss.
What doctors wish every 65+ adult had at home: Physicians call it “long-lie,” and it’s the real reason falls are so dangerous for older adults. It’s not a broken bone… it’s lying on the floor for hours waiting for someone to notice. We dug into the options that actually solve this problem, and one stood out. See which one →
|
📆 Our favorite events this week
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
☘ St. Paddy’s Paint and Sip! @ Funky Claud’s | Wednesday (3/11) at 6:00 PM – If you’ve been waiting for a classy way to celebrate St. Paddy’s that doesn’t involve shouting over bagpipes, try this paint and sip. Low-pressure instruction, generous pours, and a canvas you can actually hang, or at least blame on the Guinness.
🐉 How to Train Your Dragon (2025) @ Altoona Area Public Library | Friday (3/13) at 1:00 PM – Free movie at Altoona Area Public Library, featuring the new How to Train Your Dragon on the big-ish screen. Whether you’re wrangling kids, grandkids, or just your inner Viking, expect air conditioning, zero ticket price, and the rare chance to finish a story without scrolling.
🐰 Easter Bunny Portraits @ The Film Center | Saturday (3/14) at 9:00 AM – Skip the mall chaos and get Easter Bunny portraits at The Film Center, the kind you’ll actually frame. Walk in, bring the kids or the dog, and pick prints or a digital upload, all for $30. Mantle-worthy, grandparent-approved.
💐 Bouquets and Bagels @ Wildfire | Saturday (3/14) at 10:00 AM – Whether your closet needs a thaw or you’re just here for carbs, Wildfire’s spring launch in downtown Altoona brings new arrivals, USA-made denim. Build a bouquet, hit the charm bar, snag a seed packet, and shop with free bagels, fitting rooms, and fresh lilac.
🔭 Exoplanets Sky Show @ Neil Armstrong Planetarium | Saturday (3/14) at 11:00 AM – Catch a Saturday matinee as the Exoplanets Sky Show debuts, with a quick intro to get you space savvy. It is a cushy tour of worlds beyond our solar system, zero turbulence, no sunscreen, and the cheapest trip you will take all year.
🎾 Pickleball Round Robin @ Gorilla House Gym, Altoona | Saturday (3/14) at 11:00 AM – Rally for heart health at Gorilla House Gym’s pickleball round robin, a fundraiser for the American Heart Association’s Go Red Woman of Impact campaign. You’ll get 15 games, The Pickled Guy’s goods, and bragging rights, assuming you bring a paddle, water, and good manners.
🎲 Basket Bingo 2026 @ The Bavarian Aid Society | Sunday (3/15) at 2:00 PM – Grab your lucky dauber and snag tickets to Basket Bingo, where 35 bucks gets you a meal, a non-alcoholic drink ticket, and 20 games of bragging rights. Bringing six or more? Reserve a table for 15 more, cash, check, or Venmo.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
|
🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
|
📻 Altoona report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 67°F – Low: 48°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 67. Southwest wind 5 to 8 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 48. Southwest wind around 6 mph.
—
Tomorrow – High: 74°F – Low: 56°F – Precip: 8%
Sunny, with a high near 74. Southwest wind 3 to 7 mph. Later: A chance of rain after 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Access cash without selling your home 🏠
A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your house.
Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much tax-free cash your home equity’s worth, with no commitment required.
This house is wild
This move-in-ready remodel pairs quality craftsmanship with thoughtful design. A new kitchen shines with modern cabinetry, granite counters, a coffee bar, and a farmhouse workstation sink. The primary ensuite features a walk-in tiled shower. A stylish, storage-rich laundry room impresses. A third-floor flex room suits work or play. Outside, a brick patio, manageable yard, and off-street parking add appeal.
Take a peek inside →
|
 |
Thanks for reading! If you know someone who’d love BaseLocal, send ’em here so they can sign up too 🙂
|
|
|
|
